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All the Water in the World
'TENDER, HEARTFELT AND HEART-BREAKING' Francis Spufford
'VERY MOVING, A WARM AND COMPASSIONATE NOVEL' Diana Evans
'DEEPLY REWARDING AND WHOLLY UNFORGETTABLE' Bret Anthony Johnston
'CAPTIVATING AND WARM AND REAL' Janet Ellis
'ASTONISHINGLY MOVING' Joanna Hershon Maddy is sixteen. Deeply curious, wry and vivacious, she's poised at the outset of adulthood. She has loyal friends, a mother with whom she's unusually close, a father she's never met, devoted grandparents, and a crush on a boy named Jack. Maddy also has cancer. Hungry for experience despite living in the shadow of illness, Maddy seeks out her first romantic relationship, ponders philosophical questions, finds solace in music and art, and tracks down her father, Antonio. She continually tests the depths and limits of her closeness with her mother, while Eve has to come to terms with the daughter she loves and only partly knows, in a world she can't control. For fans of Celeste Ng and John Boyne , All the Water in the World is the story of a family doing its best when faced with the worst. Unforgettable and singularly moving, with voices that range from tender to funny, despairing to defiant, this novel is a poignant testimony to the transformative power of love, humour and hope. 'RANEY IS AN AUTHOR TO WATCH' Booklist
'EXQUISITE' Kirkus Optioned for film by Monumental Pictures/Lionsgate.
'VERY MOVING, A WARM AND COMPASSIONATE NOVEL' Diana Evans
'DEEPLY REWARDING AND WHOLLY UNFORGETTABLE' Bret Anthony Johnston
'CAPTIVATING AND WARM AND REAL' Janet Ellis
'ASTONISHINGLY MOVING' Joanna Hershon Maddy is sixteen. Deeply curious, wry and vivacious, she's poised at the outset of adulthood. She has loyal friends, a mother with whom she's unusually close, a father she's never met, devoted grandparents, and a crush on a boy named Jack. Maddy also has cancer. Hungry for experience despite living in the shadow of illness, Maddy seeks out her first romantic relationship, ponders philosophical questions, finds solace in music and art, and tracks down her father, Antonio. She continually tests the depths and limits of her closeness with her mother, while Eve has to come to terms with the daughter she loves and only partly knows, in a world she can't control. For fans of Celeste Ng and John Boyne , All the Water in the World is the story of a family doing its best when faced with the worst. Unforgettable and singularly moving, with voices that range from tender to funny, despairing to defiant, this novel is a poignant testimony to the transformative power of love, humour and hope. 'RANEY IS AN AUTHOR TO WATCH' Booklist
'EXQUISITE' Kirkus Optioned for film by Monumental Pictures/Lionsgate.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
September 5, 2019
All the Water in the World by Karen Raney is a 2019 Scribner publication.
Heart-rending, but eloquent, study of mother/daughter relationships
Maddie, only sixteen years old has been diagnosed with cancer. Her mother, Eve, raised her alone after her father announced he didn’t want children…. Well, not with Eve, at any rate. At her grandfather’s suggestion, Maddie decides to reach out to her father, Antonio, earlier than she had intended, and the two begin a secretive email correspondence. Meanwhile, Maddie does what most sixteen -year old girls do- gossip with her friends, fall in love, and test and probe the mysterious depths of her relationship with Eve.
Meanwhile, Eve relates her struggles with Maddie’s illness, as we glimpse the circle of support the two receive from Eve’s parents, her partner, Robin, Maddie’s friends and her boyfriend, Jack. Yet, Maddie’s contact with Antonio will have an impact she never could have anticipated- not necessarily for her, but for Eve.
The story uses the alternate narrative format, giving Maddie and Eve a chance to tell their story from their own unique perspectives. Maddie’s voice is clear, her courage unshakable, as she takes as much control over her life as she is able.
Her cancer diagnosis is at the center of the choices she makes, some of which are questionable, but understandable. The same can be said of Eve, who also makes choices she might not have if circumstances were different. I didn’t agree with Maddie or Eve when it came to their decision making skills sometimes, but while it is so very easy to judge, or to get on one’s preachy little soapbox, one never knows how they might respond if they were living within this set of circumstances.
The story is full of tender, but potent moments, often laced with humor, and is more than a little bittersweet. Life throws us unfair curve balls and as Maddie and Eve discover, the only thing we can do is give it our best effort, grab the moments we have and make the best of them.
This story embodies all the various parts of life and living- family and friends, love, pain, mistakes, grief, and forgiveness. This a beautifully written, thought provoking story that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Overall, this is an impressive debut novel by Karen Raney!
4 stars
Heart-rending, but eloquent, study of mother/daughter relationships
Maddie, only sixteen years old has been diagnosed with cancer. Her mother, Eve, raised her alone after her father announced he didn’t want children…. Well, not with Eve, at any rate. At her grandfather’s suggestion, Maddie decides to reach out to her father, Antonio, earlier than she had intended, and the two begin a secretive email correspondence. Meanwhile, Maddie does what most sixteen -year old girls do- gossip with her friends, fall in love, and test and probe the mysterious depths of her relationship with Eve.
Meanwhile, Eve relates her struggles with Maddie’s illness, as we glimpse the circle of support the two receive from Eve’s parents, her partner, Robin, Maddie’s friends and her boyfriend, Jack. Yet, Maddie’s contact with Antonio will have an impact she never could have anticipated- not necessarily for her, but for Eve.
The story uses the alternate narrative format, giving Maddie and Eve a chance to tell their story from their own unique perspectives. Maddie’s voice is clear, her courage unshakable, as she takes as much control over her life as she is able.
Her cancer diagnosis is at the center of the choices she makes, some of which are questionable, but understandable. The same can be said of Eve, who also makes choices she might not have if circumstances were different. I didn’t agree with Maddie or Eve when it came to their decision making skills sometimes, but while it is so very easy to judge, or to get on one’s preachy little soapbox, one never knows how they might respond if they were living within this set of circumstances.
The story is full of tender, but potent moments, often laced with humor, and is more than a little bittersweet. Life throws us unfair curve balls and as Maddie and Eve discover, the only thing we can do is give it our best effort, grab the moments we have and make the best of them.
This story embodies all the various parts of life and living- family and friends, love, pain, mistakes, grief, and forgiveness. This a beautifully written, thought provoking story that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Overall, this is an impressive debut novel by Karen Raney!
4 stars
August 20, 2019
This book is a great read! I like Maddy’s easy going relationship with her grandparents. Her and Jack’s interest in the environment is surprising because they are young and they care about the earth’s health. Additionally, I find it surprising also that Maddy doesn’t embrace social media like most teens do but choose instead to use email. It’s a nice change sometimes to go against the current. Since Maddy is sick, she rushes into romance too fast and I guess it’s okay but to repeat what her mom did, I feel disagree that she intentionally made that decision. What if she doesn’t get better or become pregnant and time isn’t on her side? That’s a bit complicated there.
This book is told in the first person point of view following Eve as she sits out by the lake enjoying the water view and sipping her coffee. Eve has a secret past that she hasn’t completely told her daughter. The second view is Maddy, 16, Eve’s daughter. Maddy is currently undergoing chemo for her cancer. She feels mad and sad that her biological father doesn’t seem to want her just like the universe because she’s sick. She wonders if her crush even wants her. Maddy has one or two secrets up her sleeve that her mom doesn’t know until too late. This story is divided into 3 parts.
All the Water in the World is well written though a bit slow paced for my liking. I like Maddy’s friendship support and Jack’s easy going relationship with Maddy. Jack is a good guy for treating Maddy normal. He offers her beers! Those few surprises that I didn’t expect were great though they do pull at my heartstrings. I like the positive image of a healthy and happy step parent relationship. I like that Maddy’s effort at reaching out ended well. I’m glad the story explain the title. This book has that good mother daughter relationship that isn’t always perfect. I recommend this read to everyone!
Pro: young characters concern about environment, family, lake, music, friendship, mother-daughter relationship
Con: instalove, slow paced
I rate it 4 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Scribner for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
This book is told in the first person point of view following Eve as she sits out by the lake enjoying the water view and sipping her coffee. Eve has a secret past that she hasn’t completely told her daughter. The second view is Maddy, 16, Eve’s daughter. Maddy is currently undergoing chemo for her cancer. She feels mad and sad that her biological father doesn’t seem to want her just like the universe because she’s sick. She wonders if her crush even wants her. Maddy has one or two secrets up her sleeve that her mom doesn’t know until too late. This story is divided into 3 parts.
All the Water in the World is well written though a bit slow paced for my liking. I like Maddy’s friendship support and Jack’s easy going relationship with Maddy. Jack is a good guy for treating Maddy normal. He offers her beers! Those few surprises that I didn’t expect were great though they do pull at my heartstrings. I like the positive image of a healthy and happy step parent relationship. I like that Maddy’s effort at reaching out ended well. I’m glad the story explain the title. This book has that good mother daughter relationship that isn’t always perfect. I recommend this read to everyone!
Pro: young characters concern about environment, family, lake, music, friendship, mother-daughter relationship
Con: instalove, slow paced
I rate it 4 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Scribner for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
August 1, 2019
This story grabbed ahold of my heart and wouldn't let go. The characters just really resonated with me and even though I read this book a few days ago, I can't stop thinking about them. Now I'm not saying this is a perfect read, but it makes for an extra special reading experience when you feel a connection with the characters like I did with this one.
Maddy is sixteen years old and has cancer. She's never met her father, but she has a good support system including her mother, Eve, Eve's partner, Robin, her maternal grandparents, as well as some friends. With the uncertainty of what life has in store for her, she decides to search for her father, Antonio. She also is interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with her friend Jack. The story alternates between the perspectives of Maddy and Eve.
One of the things that has just really stuck with me is the role cancer played in some of the choices made by not just Maddy, but also by Eve. That sounds likes a dumb statement because obviously something as horrible as cancer will have an impact on a family. I guess what I'm trying to say is Maddy showed an unbelievable amount of courage in going after things that were important to her and you can't help but think what things might have played out differently had she never been sick. Maddy is just one of those old soul type characters in which you are just amazed at how she seems to possess wisdom beyond her years. I just fell in love with her as a character.
Eve's perspective was also an important part of the story. And while I thought some of the later chapters were a bit slow, I do appreciate the author showing how difficult it was for Eve learning Maddy had contacted Antonio. Maddy's search for her father as well as Eve dealing with the aftermath might not have been been the main aspect of the story but certainly led to some powerful and emotional moments.
This was a beautifully written book and I definitely recommend if you are looking for a meaningful reading experience.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review!
Maddy is sixteen years old and has cancer. She's never met her father, but she has a good support system including her mother, Eve, Eve's partner, Robin, her maternal grandparents, as well as some friends. With the uncertainty of what life has in store for her, she decides to search for her father, Antonio. She also is interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with her friend Jack. The story alternates between the perspectives of Maddy and Eve.
One of the things that has just really stuck with me is the role cancer played in some of the choices made by not just Maddy, but also by Eve. That sounds likes a dumb statement because obviously something as horrible as cancer will have an impact on a family. I guess what I'm trying to say is Maddy showed an unbelievable amount of courage in going after things that were important to her and you can't help but think what things might have played out differently had she never been sick. Maddy is just one of those old soul type characters in which you are just amazed at how she seems to possess wisdom beyond her years. I just fell in love with her as a character.
Eve's perspective was also an important part of the story. And while I thought some of the later chapters were a bit slow, I do appreciate the author showing how difficult it was for Eve learning Maddy had contacted Antonio. Maddy's search for her father as well as Eve dealing with the aftermath might not have been been the main aspect of the story but certainly led to some powerful and emotional moments.
This was a beautifully written book and I definitely recommend if you are looking for a meaningful reading experience.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review!
September 16, 2019
IS THERE A BOOK WHERE ONE CHARACTER CARRIED YOU ALL THE WAY THROUGH IT??🤔
Let’s face it, there are plenty of times when we can’t fully relate to the plot of a book. So, instead, we gravitate toward its characters. And in All the Water in the World, it was Maddy who kept me enthralled. She’s a curious and extremely clever sixteen-year-old who’s navigating teenage-hood while also battling cancer.
With two narratives playing out - Maddy’s and her mother, Eva’s - I found myself so much more connected to Maddy’s perspective than that of Eve. She’s smart and sassy and driven by finding the answers to life (IE what does falling in love feel like, can she find her father and forge a relationship) rather than restrained and cautious (which is so much more Eve). And I think because of this dual narrative being quite opposing, it was a bit of a struggle to get through Eve’s chapters. 🤷🏻♀️
That is to say that this was a slow burn. And I did put myself on a 40-page goal per day regiment 🗓 so that I would move through it. HOWEVER! If you love contemporary fiction, then I think you’ll have no problem making your way thru this book.
So with that said, I’m giving it a 3.5 ⭐️ rating. Thank you to Scribner for my copy. 🧡 And I would encourage those of you who are interested to read some of the stunning reviews on here! They come from the vantage of people who read much more contemporary fiction than I do. 💁🏻♀️
Trigger warning: absentee father. Youth cancer.
Let’s face it, there are plenty of times when we can’t fully relate to the plot of a book. So, instead, we gravitate toward its characters. And in All the Water in the World, it was Maddy who kept me enthralled. She’s a curious and extremely clever sixteen-year-old who’s navigating teenage-hood while also battling cancer.
With two narratives playing out - Maddy’s and her mother, Eva’s - I found myself so much more connected to Maddy’s perspective than that of Eve. She’s smart and sassy and driven by finding the answers to life (IE what does falling in love feel like, can she find her father and forge a relationship) rather than restrained and cautious (which is so much more Eve). And I think because of this dual narrative being quite opposing, it was a bit of a struggle to get through Eve’s chapters. 🤷🏻♀️
That is to say that this was a slow burn. And I did put myself on a 40-page goal per day regiment 🗓 so that I would move through it. HOWEVER! If you love contemporary fiction, then I think you’ll have no problem making your way thru this book.
So with that said, I’m giving it a 3.5 ⭐️ rating. Thank you to Scribner for my copy. 🧡 And I would encourage those of you who are interested to read some of the stunning reviews on here! They come from the vantage of people who read much more contemporary fiction than I do. 💁🏻♀️
Trigger warning: absentee father. Youth cancer.
September 13, 2019
This was a very sad story about a 15 year old girl who has cancer. I liked all the characters, especially Jack, but the story did not hold my attention and I had no desire to read the book. I will admit the book did get better towards the end. Madly never knew her father and the emails back and forth between them were interesting after she tracked him down.
October 27, 2019
Told through the alternating voices of Maddy and her mother Eve.
In many ways Maddy is a typical sixteen year old, gossiping with girlfriends, crushing on Jack and doing her schoolwork. But Maddy is also dealing with terminal cancer and spends most days at home.
Eve has raised Maddy with the help of her parents as a single mother. Maddy's father left when Eve told him she was pregnant, more concerned with his career. Eve is a devoted mother and she and Maddy have a closer relationship than most teenagers have with their mothers. But Maddy wonders about her father, and without her mother's knowledge, Maddy contacts him. Not telling him of her cancer, Maddy seeks her father for answers to life questions she doesn't want to share with her mother. Her mother, and her grandparents are who she turns to for comfort, but Jack and her father give her a glimpse of what life could be without the limits of cancer.
Moving between the family's lake house in Pennsylvania, their home in the Washington DC area and London, where her father lives, the story delves into the deep bonds between a mother and a daughter and a love that cannot be broken.
In many ways Maddy is a typical sixteen year old, gossiping with girlfriends, crushing on Jack and doing her schoolwork. But Maddy is also dealing with terminal cancer and spends most days at home.
Eve has raised Maddy with the help of her parents as a single mother. Maddy's father left when Eve told him she was pregnant, more concerned with his career. Eve is a devoted mother and she and Maddy have a closer relationship than most teenagers have with their mothers. But Maddy wonders about her father, and without her mother's knowledge, Maddy contacts him. Not telling him of her cancer, Maddy seeks her father for answers to life questions she doesn't want to share with her mother. Her mother, and her grandparents are who she turns to for comfort, but Jack and her father give her a glimpse of what life could be without the limits of cancer.
Moving between the family's lake house in Pennsylvania, their home in the Washington DC area and London, where her father lives, the story delves into the deep bonds between a mother and a daughter and a love that cannot be broken.
August 8, 2019
4 ★ Told in alternating chapters, All the Water in the World is touching and moving. At the heart of this story is the relationship between a mother and her daughter Matty who has cancer, and the people in their lives. I applaud Karen Raney for her beautifully written debut about family secrets, first love, friendship, pain and grief in this profound story. It’s a true treasure. ♥️
Thanks to Scribner via NetGalley for sharing with me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Scribner via NetGalley for sharing with me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 22, 2020
Tikriausiai pasikartosiu dar kartelį, bet man tobulo grožio yra šios knygos viršelis ❤️📚 Jau prieš atsiverčiant šios knygos pirmąjį puslapį žinojau, jog laukia skaudi bei jautri, o tuo pačiu ir gyvenimiška istorija.
Madi ir Eva - dukra ir motina, kurias sieja kur kas daugiau nei tai. Madi nuo pat gimimo augo be tėvo ir visą savo vaikystę augo kartu su motina. Tad kuomet Madi sulaukia paauglystės, mergina negali įsivaizduoti kitokio gyvenimo, nei gyvenimo su savo mama. Tačiau kuomet merginai vos šešiolikos metų buvo diagnozuotas vėžys, ji supranta, jog vis dėlto nori daugiau sužinoti apie savo šaknis bei biologinį tėvą.
Tikrai labai jautri bei skaudi knyga, kurią skaitydama išgyvenau daug įvairiausių jausmų. Knygoje puikiai atskleidžiamas mamos bei dukros ryšys, kuris tarsi nenutraukiama gija, jungia visą tą laiką.
Nuo pat pirmojo puslapio knyga man skaitėsi labai lengvai bei įtraukiančiai, tačiau nuo vidurio pasidarė kiek nuobodu, o pabaiga truputį ir vėl suvirpino mano širdį. Tikėjausi, jog ši knyga labiau mane palies, bet atrodė, jog skaitydama tarsi tik praplaukiau paviršiumi. Nepaisant to, tai buvo tokia istorija, kurią verta perskaityti. Vien todėl, jog susipažintumėte su Madi. Tikiu, jog ši mergina tikrai nustebins ir Jus.
Madi ir Eva - dukra ir motina, kurias sieja kur kas daugiau nei tai. Madi nuo pat gimimo augo be tėvo ir visą savo vaikystę augo kartu su motina. Tad kuomet Madi sulaukia paauglystės, mergina negali įsivaizduoti kitokio gyvenimo, nei gyvenimo su savo mama. Tačiau kuomet merginai vos šešiolikos metų buvo diagnozuotas vėžys, ji supranta, jog vis dėlto nori daugiau sužinoti apie savo šaknis bei biologinį tėvą.
Tikrai labai jautri bei skaudi knyga, kurią skaitydama išgyvenau daug įvairiausių jausmų. Knygoje puikiai atskleidžiamas mamos bei dukros ryšys, kuris tarsi nenutraukiama gija, jungia visą tą laiką.
Nuo pat pirmojo puslapio knyga man skaitėsi labai lengvai bei įtraukiančiai, tačiau nuo vidurio pasidarė kiek nuobodu, o pabaiga truputį ir vėl suvirpino mano širdį. Tikėjausi, jog ši knyga labiau mane palies, bet atrodė, jog skaitydama tarsi tik praplaukiau paviršiumi. Nepaisant to, tai buvo tokia istorija, kurią verta perskaityti. Vien todėl, jog susipažintumėte su Madi. Tikiu, jog ši mergina tikrai nustebins ir Jus.
November 4, 2020
Man knygos skaitymas prasideda nuo viršelio. O šio romano viršelis užburiantis - mano mėgstamų spalvų derinys, subtilus grožis. O anotacija ant knygos nugarėlės taip pat žadėjo jautrią istoriją. Neatbaidė ir tai, kad šis romanas yra debiutinis rašytojai.
Tai istorija apie Mamą Evą ir Dukrą Madi. Eva yra vieniša mama, o Madi šešiolikmetė paauglė, kuri kovoja su onkologine liga. Abi veikėjos ieško savo gyvenimo savasties. Evą ir Madi vienija stiprus mamos ir dukters ryšys, begalinė meilė, kuri viso romano metu mane žavėjo. Pasakojama tiek Madi, tiek Evos akimis.
Labai patiko Madi, kuri buvo be galo protinga ir jautri šešiolikmetė. Atrodo liga mergaitę subrandino gerokai prieš laiką. Tiesa, ji maištavo, bet savaip. Kartais atrodė, kad Madi net brandesnė už savo motiną, kuri vis dar kovojo su savo jaunystės sprendimų pasekmėm ir dar kartu kiek liguistai mylėjo dukrą.
Vis dėl man pritrūko to gylio, jausmo. Rašytoja palietė begalę jautrių temų: tiek paauglio santykis su liga, tiek tėvų jausmai vaikui susirgus. tėvo vaidmuo vaiko gyvenime, vaiko santykis su seneliais, draugystė. Deja, pradėjus keliauti giliau, imdavo ir nuslysdavo paviršiumi. Veikėjus mėtė iš vienos situacijos į kitą, iš vieno sprendimo į kitą, tačiau jų kai kurie poelgiai ir liko nepaaiškinti.
Nepaisant visų trūkumų man romanas patiko. Džiaugiuosi, kad rašytoja išdrįso paliesti tokią jautrią temą. Pasakojimas buvo romus, be bereikalingų emocijų. Ji sukūrė tikrai išskirtinius veikėjus ir papaskojo labai gražią mamos ir dukros istoriją.
Tai istorija apie Mamą Evą ir Dukrą Madi. Eva yra vieniša mama, o Madi šešiolikmetė paauglė, kuri kovoja su onkologine liga. Abi veikėjos ieško savo gyvenimo savasties. Evą ir Madi vienija stiprus mamos ir dukters ryšys, begalinė meilė, kuri viso romano metu mane žavėjo. Pasakojama tiek Madi, tiek Evos akimis.
Labai patiko Madi, kuri buvo be galo protinga ir jautri šešiolikmetė. Atrodo liga mergaitę subrandino gerokai prieš laiką. Tiesa, ji maištavo, bet savaip. Kartais atrodė, kad Madi net brandesnė už savo motiną, kuri vis dar kovojo su savo jaunystės sprendimų pasekmėm ir dar kartu kiek liguistai mylėjo dukrą.
Vis dėl man pritrūko to gylio, jausmo. Rašytoja palietė begalę jautrių temų: tiek paauglio santykis su liga, tiek tėvų jausmai vaikui susirgus. tėvo vaidmuo vaiko gyvenime, vaiko santykis su seneliais, draugystė. Deja, pradėjus keliauti giliau, imdavo ir nuslysdavo paviršiumi. Veikėjus mėtė iš vienos situacijos į kitą, iš vieno sprendimo į kitą, tačiau jų kai kurie poelgiai ir liko nepaaiškinti.
Nepaisant visų trūkumų man romanas patiko. Džiaugiuosi, kad rašytoja išdrįso paliesti tokią jautrią temą. Pasakojimas buvo romus, be bereikalingų emocijų. Ji sukūrė tikrai išskirtinius veikėjus ir papaskojo labai gražią mamos ir dukros istoriją.
March 29, 2019
*Review is of an advanced reader copy
A throughly engrossing novel. One of the best fictional accounts I've ever encountered about the devastation wrought by cancer. The focus of the story is Maddy, a bright, passionate sixteen-year-old girl battling a cruelly destructive disease. Raised by her devoted mother, Eve, Maddy has never known her father. As she wrestles with her own mortality she sets out to learn more about the man who contributed half her gene pool.
Told in alternating points of view, the reader is able to glimpse a deeper understanding about both Maddy and her mother's states of mind. One of the things I liked best about this book is that, in addition to the detail about Maddy's medical treatment, she is ultimately, still very much a teenage girl with typical teenage yearnings. Her crush on the neighborhood boy and the clash between wanting to grow up yet simultaneously wishing to remain a child are nearly universal.
Well-paced and almost lyrically written, this is definitely a winner!
A throughly engrossing novel. One of the best fictional accounts I've ever encountered about the devastation wrought by cancer. The focus of the story is Maddy, a bright, passionate sixteen-year-old girl battling a cruelly destructive disease. Raised by her devoted mother, Eve, Maddy has never known her father. As she wrestles with her own mortality she sets out to learn more about the man who contributed half her gene pool.
Told in alternating points of view, the reader is able to glimpse a deeper understanding about both Maddy and her mother's states of mind. One of the things I liked best about this book is that, in addition to the detail about Maddy's medical treatment, she is ultimately, still very much a teenage girl with typical teenage yearnings. Her crush on the neighborhood boy and the clash between wanting to grow up yet simultaneously wishing to remain a child are nearly universal.
Well-paced and almost lyrically written, this is definitely a winner!
July 28, 2019
This a remarkable book. If you are lucky, you will never experience having a child being diagnosed with cancer and going through all of the accompanying emotional and medical struggles. It is a complex experience, but I think most people have a tendency to simplify it and see the family going through this in very stark, black and white terms. That somehow the child going through this relinquishes their wonderment of life and experiences and simply walks away, almost like someone checking their coat at a restaurant. As a step father in a family that had a 15 year old daughter go through a year of battling cancer and dying, I can testify that life doesn't stop until the very last breath. And that she experienced the same myriad of emotions that every teenage girl is inundated with as I watched them wash over and through her in the midst of her medical struggle, amplifying every moment with her peer group, romantic objects, and family. The author did a masterful job of telling this story. She managed to not only get inside the head of the young girl with cancer, but also the interior life of her mother and the others around Maddie as every one in her orbit tries on a daily basis to make some sense out of living through something that seemed so profoundly unfair and unstoppable. Like someone falling out of the sky from a great height and in slow motion, the characters in this story have time to contemplate their descent. This is a beautifully and lovingly written novel by Karen Rainey, and I highly recommend your reading it and perhaps feeling feelings you may not have felt before.
July 28, 2020
Kai tik pradėjau šią knygą skaityti tikėjausi, kad manęs laukia itin jautri motinos ir dukters istorija, kurių ryšio niekas negali atstoti ar nutraukti, net šešiolikmetei dukrai diagnozuotas vėžys. Iš pradžių tikrai jaučiausi taip, lyg mane apėmusi slogių ir liūdnų emocijų našta temps mane gilyn į dugną, bet gana greit "išmokau plaukti", tad su šia knyga praplaukiau paviršiumi ir tik vos prisiliečiau prie visų jausmų vandenyno.
Istorija man labai daug žadėjo, ypač todėl, kad tokių istorijų daug ir dažnai neskaitau. Gal kiek dažniau filmus žiūriu, kuriuose paaugliai serga sunkiai pagydoma, arba išvis nepagydoma liga. Tikrai negaliu sakyti, kad ši knyga mane nuvylė. Nenuvylė, jausmų šioje knygoje daug, labiausiai jaučiamas motinos ir dukters ryšys ir laviravimas per plonytę liniją, ypač iš motinos pusės, kai norisi savo sergantį vaiką laikyti prie savęs ir saugoti, bet kartu turi leisti pažinti pasaulį ir save.
Labiausiai šioje knygoje žavėjausi būtent šešiolikmete Madi. Žavėjausi jos sielos gyvybe, troškimu gyventi, mokytis, ieškoti savo kilmės, aiškintis egzistencinius klausimus, sužinoti pirmosios meilės skonį, kai kūnas yra lyg tiksinti bomba ir neaišku, kiek daug spėsi patirti. Iš Madi mamos Evos perspektyvos pasakota istorija manęs taip nesužavėjo. Nebuvo taip jautru, gilu ir liūdna. Natūralu, kad jos viską matė kitaip ir motina iš savo pusės jausmus išgyveno, tačiau Eva manęs nesužavėjo kaip žmogus. Susitaikymo ir širdgėlos skausmas labai sunkus, tačiau jaučiausi, lyg autorė jį tik paklibino..
Bet kokiu atveju, skaitant tokias knygas, labiau pagalvoji apie save ir savo gyvenimą. Kaip jį reikia branginti, vertinti ir imti iš jo viską, kas tik įmanoma. Nes gali būti ir taip, kad būtent gyvenimas pradės imti iš tavęs viską tol, kol nieko nebegalėsi duoti. Ši knyga leidžia apie tai ir dar daug dalykų pagalvoti, ypač koks trapus yra vaikų ir tėvų ryšys, koks sunkus darbas yra išlaikyti pasitikėjimą ir atvirumą.
Knyga "Visi pasaulio vandenys" labai liūdna ir skaudi istorija apie gyvenimą, kai į nugarą nuolat alsuojanti mirtina liga, nesutrukdo pamatyti gyvenimo grožio. Labai norėjau, kad man ši knyga patiktų labiau, bet gaila, kad paskutinį knygos trečdalį turėjau truputį save versti ją skaityti. Ir vis tikėjausi, kad vėl bus geriau, vėl nersiu gilyn. Rekomenduoju šią knygą mėgstantiems jautrias, gyvenimiškas istorijas, narpliojančias sudėtingus vaikų ir tėvų santykius. Esu tikra, kad ši knyga ras savo skaitytoją, kurį pavyks nusitempti į jausmų vandenyną.
August 30, 2019
The synopsis sounds great and the plot had so much potential...but the characters are so intensely unlikable. I wanted so badly to enjoy this book but I just could not connect with it. I forced my way through it to see if it got better but it was not an altogether enjoyable experience. This one just didn’t work for me unfortunately. Thank you to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
July 26, 2019
*Advance Copy Review*
This book was heartbreaking. It pulled me in with it’s witty prose and held me captive with it’s search for peace.
I found Maddy to be such a profound character. In her weakness, she found laughter and purpose. Through her sickness, she touched others with her art and made an impact on the world. She connected with a lost relative, fell in love with her best friend, and showed her mother that even when things are gone, they can still be remembered in a positive way. She was the definition of strong and will forever remain a top heroine in my eyes.
Eve was a more complex character with a mix of emotions and a hard-to-follow personality. With that being said, her parts were my favorite. I found them to be raw and gritty. She exposed her hurt and often made bad choices. In her faults though there was a likeness that just drew me in. I loved her. I felt for her and I understood why she was the way she was.
I think for me, what made this book so good was just how vulnerable each character was. Even the side characters had a story and they could be felt on a main character level. I appreciated the letters that connected the past to the present and I especially enjoyed the reconnecting of Antonio and Eve. Although when Eve went home to Robin, everything felt complete.
All in all, I recommend this book to all ages. I thought it would be very YA, but the Author addressed adult issues and made an Adult the main focus of the story. It is a book that will be appreciated by many. I can’t wait to read more from the Author.
This book was heartbreaking. It pulled me in with it’s witty prose and held me captive with it’s search for peace.
I found Maddy to be such a profound character. In her weakness, she found laughter and purpose. Through her sickness, she touched others with her art and made an impact on the world. She connected with a lost relative, fell in love with her best friend, and showed her mother that even when things are gone, they can still be remembered in a positive way. She was the definition of strong and will forever remain a top heroine in my eyes.
Eve was a more complex character with a mix of emotions and a hard-to-follow personality. With that being said, her parts were my favorite. I found them to be raw and gritty. She exposed her hurt and often made bad choices. In her faults though there was a likeness that just drew me in. I loved her. I felt for her and I understood why she was the way she was.
I think for me, what made this book so good was just how vulnerable each character was. Even the side characters had a story and they could be felt on a main character level. I appreciated the letters that connected the past to the present and I especially enjoyed the reconnecting of Antonio and Eve. Although when Eve went home to Robin, everything felt complete.
All in all, I recommend this book to all ages. I thought it would be very YA, but the Author addressed adult issues and made an Adult the main focus of the story. It is a book that will be appreciated by many. I can’t wait to read more from the Author.
May 27, 2020
It felt a little all over the place, somewhat odd and sometimes overwhelming, Antonio didn`t feel....real in a way? how he wrote and acted was strange to me and Eve was sort of all over the place, had also problems connecting with Maddie. Got confused when we read about someone totally else at the end there....not sure it`s because it`s another book in store or what. It wasn`t for me.
September 17, 2020
Madeline Rose Wakefield ist erst 16 Jahre alt, als sie eine schlimme Diagnose verkraften muss. Die Teenager leidet an Blutkrebs. Obwohl ihre Mutter Eve (43) sie mit viel Liebe erzogen hat und auch ihre Großeltern ihr in der schwierigen Zeit beistehen, ist da eine langgehegte Sehnsucht, die Maddy sehr beschäftigt. Ihren leiblichen Vater Antonio, einen gebürtigen Spanier, hat die Schülerin noch nie in ihrem Leben getroffen. Zwischen den Chemotherapien macht sie sich auf die Suche nach dem Wissenschaftler und nimmt den Kontakt zu ihrem lange vermissten Elternteil auf – hinter dem Rücken ihrer Mutter…
„Vielleicht auf einem anderen Stern“ ist der Debütroman von Karen Raney.
Meine Meinung:
Der Roman besteht aus drei Teilen. Erzählt wird in der Ich-Perspektive abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Eve und Maddy, wobei 23 Kapitel auf die Mutter und 16 Kapitel auf die Tochter entfallen. Der Roman endet mit einem Epilog. Eingestreut sind mehrere E-Mails. Dieser Aufbau funktioniert ganz gut.
Mit dem Schreibstil hatte ich einige Schwierigkeiten. Er ist einerseits durch viel wörtliche Rede anschaulich und lebhaft und verwendet viele starke Bilder. Zudem wird sprachlich zwischen den beiden Protagonistinnen ausreichend differenziert. Anderseits ist der Stil oft zu detailliert und ausschweifend, wodurch sich der Fokus immer wieder verliert. Erschwerend kommt hinzu, dass eine stellenweise etwas holprige Übersetzung und etliche vom Korrektorat übersehene Fehler den Lesefluss zusätzlich hemmen.
Sowohl Maddy als auch Eve sind durchweg authentische, wenn auch nicht rundum sympathische Charaktere. Ihre Gedanke und Gefühle werden sehr gut deutlich. Auch die Nebenfiguren wirken glaubhaft und interessant.
Eine Stärke des Romans ist sein Tiefgang, der auf klugen Beobachtungen und vielen Denkansätzen beruht. So wird zum Beispiel die Frage nach dem Leben nach dem Tod ebenso aufgeworfen wie die nach einer Lösung der Klimakatastrophe. Inhaltlich ist die Geschichte sehr vielschichtig. Es geht um weitaus mehr als nur Maddys Krankheit und den Umgang damit.
Trotz der traurigen Grundthematik konnte mich die Geschichte weniger stark berühren als erhofft. Zwar gibt es immer wieder durchaus bewegende Momente. Doch ausführlich geschilderte Nebensächlichkeiten und einige inhaltliche Wiederholungen führen zu langatmigen Passagen. Darüber hinaus tritt die Handlung zum Teil auf der Stelle.
Das Cover schaut ganz ansprechend aus, lässt aber keinen inhaltlichen Bezug erkennen. Auch der deutsche Titel erschließt sich mir leider nicht und ist deutlich weniger passend als das amerikanische Original („All the Water in the World“).
Mein Fazit:
Mit „Vielleicht auf einem anderen Stern“ schöpft Karen Raney leider nicht das ganze Potenzial der Geschichte aus. Allerdings ist der Roman überraschend vielfältig und tiefgründig, sodass ich mich im Großen und Ganzen dennoch gut unterhalten gefühlt habe.
„Vielleicht auf einem anderen Stern“ ist der Debütroman von Karen Raney.
Meine Meinung:
Der Roman besteht aus drei Teilen. Erzählt wird in der Ich-Perspektive abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Eve und Maddy, wobei 23 Kapitel auf die Mutter und 16 Kapitel auf die Tochter entfallen. Der Roman endet mit einem Epilog. Eingestreut sind mehrere E-Mails. Dieser Aufbau funktioniert ganz gut.
Mit dem Schreibstil hatte ich einige Schwierigkeiten. Er ist einerseits durch viel wörtliche Rede anschaulich und lebhaft und verwendet viele starke Bilder. Zudem wird sprachlich zwischen den beiden Protagonistinnen ausreichend differenziert. Anderseits ist der Stil oft zu detailliert und ausschweifend, wodurch sich der Fokus immer wieder verliert. Erschwerend kommt hinzu, dass eine stellenweise etwas holprige Übersetzung und etliche vom Korrektorat übersehene Fehler den Lesefluss zusätzlich hemmen.
Sowohl Maddy als auch Eve sind durchweg authentische, wenn auch nicht rundum sympathische Charaktere. Ihre Gedanke und Gefühle werden sehr gut deutlich. Auch die Nebenfiguren wirken glaubhaft und interessant.
Eine Stärke des Romans ist sein Tiefgang, der auf klugen Beobachtungen und vielen Denkansätzen beruht. So wird zum Beispiel die Frage nach dem Leben nach dem Tod ebenso aufgeworfen wie die nach einer Lösung der Klimakatastrophe. Inhaltlich ist die Geschichte sehr vielschichtig. Es geht um weitaus mehr als nur Maddys Krankheit und den Umgang damit.
Trotz der traurigen Grundthematik konnte mich die Geschichte weniger stark berühren als erhofft. Zwar gibt es immer wieder durchaus bewegende Momente. Doch ausführlich geschilderte Nebensächlichkeiten und einige inhaltliche Wiederholungen führen zu langatmigen Passagen. Darüber hinaus tritt die Handlung zum Teil auf der Stelle.
Das Cover schaut ganz ansprechend aus, lässt aber keinen inhaltlichen Bezug erkennen. Auch der deutsche Titel erschließt sich mir leider nicht und ist deutlich weniger passend als das amerikanische Original („All the Water in the World“).
Mein Fazit:
Mit „Vielleicht auf einem anderen Stern“ schöpft Karen Raney leider nicht das ganze Potenzial der Geschichte aus. Allerdings ist der Roman überraschend vielfältig und tiefgründig, sodass ich mich im Großen und Ganzen dennoch gut unterhalten gefühlt habe.
June 26, 2019
This was a poignant read. Maddie is just 16 and has cancer. She is exploring a developing relationship with a boy and communicating with the father she doesn't know. The book is divided between her perspective and her mother, Eve's. The theme is about acceptance and forgiveness as well as dealing with the hardships life throws at us. Thanks to Edelweiss for the early read.
July 3, 2019
Sixteen year old girl: In treatment for cancer, in search of her biological father, in a protest movement, in search of love, in search of her first kiss – oops, in the sack with Jack. What next? Oh, I know, how ‘bout this? An emotional reunion with a lion she raised from a cub. Actually, this is not a bad book, and many will enjoy it. But, Lord knows, it’s been done, so you know what I say. Uncle.
Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided to me by Scribner via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the publisher, the author and NetGalley for providing me this opportunity. All opinions expressed herein are my own.
Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided to me by Scribner via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the publisher, the author and NetGalley for providing me this opportunity. All opinions expressed herein are my own.
June 12, 2019
I really really liked this novel; it is well written both emotionally and descriptively. The story of a mother and daughter, their special bond, and their mutual loss is beautifully told and heartfelt and tender. The previous reviewer didn’t seem to understand that Eve, the mother, was truly grieving. I didn’t see anything selfish in her actions or attitude! The characters were well written and everyone was understandable. I kept reading and reading, eager to see that everyone was ok in the end. And that is my definition of a captivating good book!
June 8, 2019
This was an incredible book.
I stayed up all night to read it,
Woman raises her daughter alone, after the sperm donor decides he does not want children, (with her).
Eve and Maddy, who is 16 are a family unit, and they have Eve's parents, and her live in boyfriend for love and support. Jack, is like a step dad to Maddy. He is good to her, but he is not her bio daddy.
Unfortunately, Maddy gets sick.
So, Maddy starts trying to experience life, on her terms.
Wonderful read.
I stayed up all night to read it,
Woman raises her daughter alone, after the sperm donor decides he does not want children, (with her).
Eve and Maddy, who is 16 are a family unit, and they have Eve's parents, and her live in boyfriend for love and support. Jack, is like a step dad to Maddy. He is good to her, but he is not her bio daddy.
Unfortunately, Maddy gets sick.
So, Maddy starts trying to experience life, on her terms.
Wonderful read.
July 22, 2019
The debut novel from Karen Raney, All the Water in the World, is a look into the life of a family facing a lifetime of grief and the struggle to figure out where someone whose life is shortened fits into the world. Set in Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and London, the book is both lyrical and vivid. This novel will leave readers asking the hard questions of how they would deal with a terminal diagnosis of a loved one.
This novel is gripping and almost impossible to put down. From page one, Raney pulls readers in with her descriptions of both the physical and emotional world. Told in alternating points of view, we first meet Eve, a single mother whose daughter is dying from cancer. Eve introduces readers to the Pennsylvania lake where her family has had a home for over 40 years, a setting that reflects so much of the book. Eve meets Norma, a new neighbor who knows nothing of her grief, and finds herself opening up to her.
We meet Maddy next as she’s contemplating Heaven. Sixteen years old, she asks the questions of a young person raised by an atheist, concerned more with the logical rather than the spiritual. Maddy’s quest to understand her place after death spans the entire book and on more than one occasion brought me to tears. Along the way, she reconnects with a childhood friend, Jack, and together they experience first love.
Jack and Maddy start work on an environmental project and author Raney uses the decay/destruction of the planet as an ongoing metaphor of Maddy’s life. While I understood what she was trying to do it was at times too obvious of a literary tool. That said, there were powerful moments as Maddy considered how after death her physical body, and by extension her essence, would return to the Earth, allowing her to have a place in the world.
It was Eve’s journey that truly affected me. As a mother, it’s almost unimaginable how I would cope with a terminally ill child, but in Eve I could clearly see it. Every raw emotion or real thought that Eve had spoke to me in ways that were almost a relief as it let me know that I wouldn’t be alone in this anguish. Raised without a father, the relationship that Eve and Maddy shared was singular. With Maddy’s diagnosis, Eve had to relinquish some of that, even unknowingly as Maddy began a search for her biological father, Antonio.
Overall, All the Water in the World is a gorgeous novel that addresses grief, faith, and the choices that we make. It delves into how humanity contributes to art, music and the planet and how these things live on long after we die, leaving something of us in the world. It’s angry and melancholic, beautiful and heartbreaking. While at times the book takes on too many things, some of which feel unfinished, I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program and Scribner Books.
This novel is gripping and almost impossible to put down. From page one, Raney pulls readers in with her descriptions of both the physical and emotional world. Told in alternating points of view, we first meet Eve, a single mother whose daughter is dying from cancer. Eve introduces readers to the Pennsylvania lake where her family has had a home for over 40 years, a setting that reflects so much of the book. Eve meets Norma, a new neighbor who knows nothing of her grief, and finds herself opening up to her.
We meet Maddy next as she’s contemplating Heaven. Sixteen years old, she asks the questions of a young person raised by an atheist, concerned more with the logical rather than the spiritual. Maddy’s quest to understand her place after death spans the entire book and on more than one occasion brought me to tears. Along the way, she reconnects with a childhood friend, Jack, and together they experience first love.
Jack and Maddy start work on an environmental project and author Raney uses the decay/destruction of the planet as an ongoing metaphor of Maddy’s life. While I understood what she was trying to do it was at times too obvious of a literary tool. That said, there were powerful moments as Maddy considered how after death her physical body, and by extension her essence, would return to the Earth, allowing her to have a place in the world.
It was Eve’s journey that truly affected me. As a mother, it’s almost unimaginable how I would cope with a terminally ill child, but in Eve I could clearly see it. Every raw emotion or real thought that Eve had spoke to me in ways that were almost a relief as it let me know that I wouldn’t be alone in this anguish. Raised without a father, the relationship that Eve and Maddy shared was singular. With Maddy’s diagnosis, Eve had to relinquish some of that, even unknowingly as Maddy began a search for her biological father, Antonio.
Overall, All the Water in the World is a gorgeous novel that addresses grief, faith, and the choices that we make. It delves into how humanity contributes to art, music and the planet and how these things live on long after we die, leaving something of us in the world. It’s angry and melancholic, beautiful and heartbreaking. While at times the book takes on too many things, some of which feel unfinished, I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program and Scribner Books.
September 19, 2019
Thank you @simonschusterca for sending me a copy of this book!
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There’s so many different aspects to talk about with this book! It centres around two characters, Eve and her daughter Maddy. Maddy has cancer, so she is fighting for her life, while also trying to have a normal life for a 16 year old. She starts dating a boy her age, she gets involved in environmental activism, and she loves to gossip with her friends. Maddy also has never met her father, so the book also focuses on Maddy’s attempt to reach out to her father, and get to know him and ask some questions she’s had for him for her whole life.
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Eve is also struggling to support her daughter while she’s fighting for her life. I thought the mother daughter relationship was very important in this book in a way that it didn’t spend a ton of time on it, but you felt the weight of this relationship throughout the book. I thought Eve was such a strong character, raising Maddy on her own, supporting her through cancer, while also trying to live a happy life herself. I thought that Eve’s point of view in the book was much more interesting! I wasn’t too sure about this book at the beginning, but then once I started to get to know Eve more, then I was hooked into the story! Definitely recommend this one!
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There’s so many different aspects to talk about with this book! It centres around two characters, Eve and her daughter Maddy. Maddy has cancer, so she is fighting for her life, while also trying to have a normal life for a 16 year old. She starts dating a boy her age, she gets involved in environmental activism, and she loves to gossip with her friends. Maddy also has never met her father, so the book also focuses on Maddy’s attempt to reach out to her father, and get to know him and ask some questions she’s had for him for her whole life.
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Eve is also struggling to support her daughter while she’s fighting for her life. I thought the mother daughter relationship was very important in this book in a way that it didn’t spend a ton of time on it, but you felt the weight of this relationship throughout the book. I thought Eve was such a strong character, raising Maddy on her own, supporting her through cancer, while also trying to live a happy life herself. I thought that Eve’s point of view in the book was much more interesting! I wasn’t too sure about this book at the beginning, but then once I started to get to know Eve more, then I was hooked into the story! Definitely recommend this one!
November 30, 2019
Thank you to netgalley.co.uk for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the characters. The book was quite slow at the beginning of the novel, and honestly I thought about giving it up, however, it got so much better towards the end. The writer seemed to like she needed time to really get to grips with her writing style which I hope will improve as she writes more.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the characters. The book was quite slow at the beginning of the novel, and honestly I thought about giving it up, however, it got so much better towards the end. The writer seemed to like she needed time to really get to grips with her writing style which I hope will improve as she writes more.
March 12, 2020
I can’t believe this is a debut novel.
This is told through two voices - Maddy and her mother Eve. It’s heart breaking and heart warming all in one. It’s a story that will pull on so many of your emotions.
A beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time.
It’s a really well written story that I’ll definitely be recommending to my friends.
This is told through two voices - Maddy and her mother Eve. It’s heart breaking and heart warming all in one. It’s a story that will pull on so many of your emotions.
A beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time.
It’s a really well written story that I’ll definitely be recommending to my friends.
July 31, 2019
All the Water in the World really hit home with me. Be prepared for a tear jerker here, because this story is touching and moving. I cannot believe this is a debut author, because Raney writes with a depth of a seasoned writer.
For my full review please visit my blog: http://obsessedbookaholic.com/2019/07...
Thank you Scribner and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
For my full review please visit my blog: http://obsessedbookaholic.com/2019/07...
Thank you Scribner and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
May 1, 2022
Didn't really like it.....
November 18, 2019
A lovely, moving YA novel. Recommended.
June 19, 2019
Honestly, the premise of the book was really captivating. I really had my hopes up as I anxiously waited to receive this ARC in the mail. Upon its arrival, I immediately took to its pages. At first, the change of perspectives (Maddy and her mother, Eve) as each chapter progressed were very enchanting. However, about halfway through the book, the writing fell short, and while I sympathized with Eve’s plight, her relationship with the people around her felt insincere and I truly began to hate her character. I just felt she didn’t have a story arc that was complete.
July 30, 2019
What a story! I could not put it down; read it straight through. A mesmerizing tale told so very well. The author has brilliantly captured the nuanced emotions of the difficult, yet beautiful, lives of the main characters as they grapple with the impossible. "All the Water in the World" is a thoroughly engrossing book that leaves you feeling richer down to your soul, somehow breaking your heart and strengthening it at the same time.
January 13, 2020
Like The Fault in Our Stars, this is about a teen with cancer. Sixteen-year-old Maddy is eager to grab everything life has to offer (“My philosophy is do everything all at once. And find everything out all at once”), so we see her having her first relationship – with Jack, her co-conspirator on an animation project to be used as part of an environmental protest – and contacting the father she never met, Antonio, a Spanish neuroscientist who lives in London. Sections alternate narration between her and her mother, Eve, who works in a gallery and has always tried to provide Maddy with a balance between protection and freedom.
I loved the suburban D.C. setting (my own stomping grounds) and the e-mails that pass between Maddy and Antonio. Maddy’s voice feels bright and fresh, and given that the main story is set in 2011, the environmentalism theme seems to anticipate last year’s flowering of youth participation. However, about halfway through there’s what’s meant to be a ‘big reveal’ that fell flat for me because I’d intuited it from the beginning.
Also, the other night I started reading Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon and, retrospectively, this felt awfully similar: sick bicultural teen named Maddy raised by cautious single mother falls in love. The inclusion of Eve’s voice seems to be enough to separate this from YA, though. Raney was inspired by the experience of a friend whose teenage daughter was very ill.
I loved the suburban D.C. setting (my own stomping grounds) and the e-mails that pass between Maddy and Antonio. Maddy’s voice feels bright and fresh, and given that the main story is set in 2011, the environmentalism theme seems to anticipate last year’s flowering of youth participation. However, about halfway through there’s what’s meant to be a ‘big reveal’ that fell flat for me because I’d intuited it from the beginning.
Also, the other night I started reading Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon and, retrospectively, this felt awfully similar: sick bicultural teen named Maddy raised by cautious single mother falls in love. The inclusion of Eve’s voice seems to be enough to separate this from YA, though. Raney was inspired by the experience of a friend whose teenage daughter was very ill.
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